District Governor's Newsletter - June 2018

FINAL DISTRICT GOVERNOR REPORT

HOW CAN TIME GO BY SO QUICKLY WITH JUST A FEW WEEKS TO GO TO THE END OF MY TENURE?

I have visited nearly all the clubs, many for different functions as well as the ‘official’ visit.
As a small sample, I have helped with collections, at fetes, cake selling, some wonderful vintage and classic car rallies, ( I have been assured there is a difference). I have attended the start of some fantastic projects, and heard of great deeds performed by our Rotarians both here and abroad. There have been more meetings than I ever want to attend in a year again, both club, district and Rotary GB&I. The most was 4 in one day! Not to mention Youth competitions, the chartering of our new Rotaract Club, new satellite groups, Interact and Rotakids.
                    
I feel very privileged to have been a part of the Rotary GB&I decision making that is changing the face of Rotary, and hopefully taking us in to a brighter future.

I’ve been welcomed at three other District Conferences, one of which was in India, District 3060, (don’t worry – all self -funded), and have set up contacts between our two countries, that will in the future benefit many people in great need through joint projects, Global Grants, exchanges and cultural visits.

I’ve danced the night away to some great bands, drunk prosecco on occasion, and had far too many meals out. I’ve driven thousands of miles, which at one point resulted in me cancelling a club visit – for which I sincerely apologise – you know who you are, and had to call out Land Rover Assist twice.
 
I hope I’ve encouraged you, you have certainly encouraged me, sometimes made you smile and no doubt annoyed one or two – sorry about that.

Lots of ‘I’, but the truth is ‘I’ cannot exist without ‘You’. My visits saw your projects, your passion to make a difference, your time, your brilliance and innovation, YOU are Rotary and I am with you.

You took on the District Governor Challenge with style and laughter. Yes, there was a bet placed, and yes it did win – phew! Coffee mornings, cake sales, Leslie’s beautiful wood-turning, a joke book, a recipe book, Christmas cards and decorations, the list goes on. I won’t spoil the result – you will hear it at the conference.
 
Our Rotary Secret Garden is due to be opened soon, and you will hear from Dr. Olivia Chapple at the conference. Some funds still need to come in, please remind your club treasurer. Send to Cedric.
 
YOU have made me very proud to be a Rotarian alongside you.

Thank you so much, and well done for all that you have achieved. Enjoy the conference, and get ready for an amazing year under the leadership of Dave Ford.               
 
It’s going to be a roller coaster.

For the last time Yours in Rotary

 

District Governor, Cheryl.

Purple 4 Polio Rally

Well done to all the teams that took part in the Rally, Denis, started his grand beetle tour from Thurrock Garden Centre, then on to Brands Hatch, Brooklands, Powderham Castle and finishing day 1 in Newport, Wales.

Day 2 travelling to Monmouth, Williams F1 Conference centre near Oxford, Radlett, Toddington in our District and finished in Market Harborough.

Day 3, Coventry Transport museum, Manchester Airport, Preston and finishing in Dunfermline, Scotland.

Day 4, South Queensferry Bridge, Beamish and finshing at a BBQ in Halifax. A total of over 1500 miles travelled, raising awareness of Rotary, End Polio and raising funds which will be trebled by The Gates Foundation.

Well done to everybody who took part.